Patron found guilty of promoting hate in online video

Travis Patron has been found guilty of willfully promoting hate towards an identifiable group stemming from an online video posted in 2019.

The verdict came down in Estevan court on Wednesday. The jury reached the unanimous decision just after 12 p.m.

The court proceedings began at 10 a.m. Wednesday after closing statements were heard earlier in the week. Patron told Judge D.N. Robertson that the Crown was violating Section 319 of the Criminal Cody of Canada, saying the Crown's actions were "prejudicial." Robertson dismissed the claim, saying that he had already ruled on the matter.

Patron, who represented himself, also raised questions about some of the witnesses who testified during the trial.

Patron, the former leader of the Canadian Nationalist Party, wore a long sleeve grey shirt on Wednesday and was sporting a full-grown beard. He carried a black bag full of unknown contents into the courtroom with him. At one point, he was seen combing over papers that were in front of him. He also had a dictionary on his desk.

Patron's mom was seated at the back of the courtroom. A clerk and a handful of court officers were also in the room.

Prior to the jury deliberating, Robertson gave lengthy instructions to the jury related to the process of reaching a verdict, including the concept of reasonable doubt. He also reviewed the testimony of witnesses with the jury.

The jury then deliberated for about 45 minutes before they reached their decision. The guilty verdict was then relayed to the judge.

The jury consisted of six men and six women.

Following the verdict, Robertson and Crown Prosecutor Ryan Snyder discussed sentencing for Patron. They decided that sentencing will begin on Thursday Oct. 20 at 10:30 a.m. in Estevan.

During the sentencing discussion, Robertson asked occasional questions to Patron, who replied with "I exercise my right to remain silent," and "no comment."

Robertson said Patron would be remanded back into custody until Oct. 20.